Private well owners are responsible for their own water safety — there is no utility monitoring your water. Here is what every well owner should test for, how often, and why.
These tests should be performed when you first move into a home with a well, and periodically thereafter:
| Test | Why It Matters | Test Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Total coliform bacteria | Indicates contamination pathway — potential health risk | Annually |
| E. coli bacteria | Direct fecal contamination — serious health risk | Annually |
| Nitrates | Dangerous for infants — from fertilizer and septic runoff | Annually |
| pH | Acidic water corrodes pipes and leaches metals | Every 3 years |
| Total dissolved solids | General water quality indicator | Every 3 years |
| Hardness | Scale buildup on appliances and pipes | Once, then as needed |
These contaminants are regionally common and should be tested if you are in a known risk area:
A full comprehensive water test can cost $200–500 and tests for dozens of contaminants most wells never have. Unless you have specific reason to suspect contamination, the essential panel above covers the most common and serious risks. Your county health department can advise on locally relevant contaminants.
| Test Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic bacteria + nitrates | $30–$75 | Annual routine check |
| Essential panel (bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness) | $75–$150 | New home or first test |
| Comprehensive panel | $150–$400 | Suspected contamination |
| EPA-certified lab test | $100–$300 | Legal or real estate purposes |
Where to get your well tested: Contact your county health department — many offer free or subsidized testing for basic contaminants. State-certified labs can be found through your state health department website. Home test kits are available for $20–$50 but are less accurate than certified lab tests.
The essential annual panel covers total coliform bacteria and E. coli (contamination indicators), and nitrates (a serious risk for infants). pH, TDS, and hardness should be checked every 3 years, since there's no utility monitoring a private well — that responsibility falls entirely on the homeowner.
Regionally common risks include arsenic (high natural occurrence in the West, New England, and Midwest), radon (granite bedrock regions like New England and the Appalachians), fluoride, iron and manganese (common in many rural aquifers), and lead if your home has pre-1986 plumbing or acidic water.
Test after flooding near the well, any work done on the well or nearby plumbing, nearby land use changes like new agriculture or construction, a noticeable change in taste, smell, or appearance, unexplained illness in the household, or if a neighbor's well tests positive for contamination.
Usually not. A full comprehensive test can cost $200–500 and screens for dozens of contaminants most wells never have. Unless you have a specific reason to suspect contamination, the essential panel covers the most common and serious risks — your county health department can advise on locally relevant contaminants.
Start with your county health department — many offer free or subsidized testing for basic contaminants. State-certified labs can be found through your state health department website, and home test kits ($20–$50) are a less accurate but convenient option for routine screening.
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